Bolstering defense will be top priority for Broncos

The NFL combine starts Feb. 20. Every team will be looking to fill multiple holes on both sides of the ball.

Despite being a team captain, Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard was benched during the 2013 season and potentially replaced. (Stew Milne – USA TODAY Sports)

The Broncos lost 43-8 to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl and could be hit hard during free agency. The defense is aging in spots. For the Broncos to chase a championship again, they’ll need to rebuild strategically.

Here are the Broncos’ top areas of need as they prepare for the draft:

1. Inside linebacker

The Broncos’ defense played above expectations during the 2013 season, even though middle linebacker was a concern. Wesley Woodyard, a team captain, was eventually demoted in favor of Paris Lenon, who started nine games, including every playoff game. Woodyard became the team’s nickel linebacker. But Woodyard and Lenon are free agents. Stewart Bradley is also a free agent after spending the season on injured reserve. This will be a priority for the Broncos.

Possible picks

Chris Borland (Wisconsin): The Broncos don’t necessarily need to spend a first-round pick to address inside linebacker. While Borland’s play indicates he’s good enough to be a first-round pick, his lack of height (5-11) will likely cause him to slide a round or two.

Yawin Smallwood (Connecticut): Smallwood is one of the draft class’ top linebackers, but he’s generally considered a late-second or third round target.

2. Pass rusher

A fax faux pas cost the Broncos dearly and forced pass rusher Elvis Dumervil into free agency. Dumervil, who recorded 63.5 sacks during his six seasons in Denver, then signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. The Broncos signed Shaun Phillips as a replacement and he led the team with 10 sacks, but Phillips only signed a one-year deal and he turns 33 this year. Von Miller is also a question mark after being suspended for the first six games of the season due to a violation of the NFL’s drug policy and finishing the year on injured reserve. Robert Ayers, Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe are good situational players at defensive end, but none is a top pass rusher.

Possible picks

Kony Ealy (Missouri): Denver’s options with the 31st pick in the first round will be limited. Ealy has length, natural athleticism and the ability to get to the quarterback. He was Missouri’s most disruptive defensive lineman.

DeMarcus Lawrence (Boise State): Dumervil wasn’t a first-round pick. Neither was Phillips. The Broncos can wait and consider a talent like Lawrence. Lawrence had 19.5 sacks the past two seasons. But he also has to answer questions about incidents during his time at Boise.

3. Cornerback

Champ Bailey’s age is finally catching up with him, which will force the Broncos to address cornerback. (Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY)

Age is a factor. The Broncos can’t enter next season hoping to rely heavily on Champ Bailey (35) or Quentin Jammer (34). Bailey suffered through an injury-plagued season while Jammer is a free agent. Bailey is also scheduled to make $10 million in 2014. Kayvon Webster, Tony Carter and Chris Harris stepped up during the season, but Carter and Harris are restricted free agents. Plus, the Broncos need depth at every defensive position. When your Peyton Manning-led offense often needs only a short window to score, there’s little time to rest.

Possible picks

Jason Verrett (TCU): Verrett would be in consideration as the top cornerback in the draft, but he lacks ideal size (5-10, 176). Size is less of a concern for the Broncos, who simply want to add talent to their secondary. Verrett can start outside or slide inside and play nickel cornerback.

Terrance Mitchell (Oregon): Mitchell is likely to land in the second or third round. Mitchell led the Ducks with 19 deflected passes and five interceptions, which is an impressive feat considering Oregon’s Ifo Ekpre-Olomu would have been the draft class’ top cornerback if he had declared.

4. Wide receiver

The Broncos had the most talented wide receiver corps in football in 2013, but that’s likely to change. Eric Decker is easily the top possession receiver on the free agent market, and the Broncos might not be able to match all offers. Also, Wes Welker missed the final three games of the regular season after suffering a second concussion and his health has to be a concern.

Possible picks

Jordan Matthews (Vanderbilt): Matthews is the top senior wide receiver in the draft class. He is the best fit for the Broncos’ offense. Matthews is already a polished and smart route-runner. He could contribute immediately as a late first- or second- round selection.

Bruce Ellington (South Carolina): Welker has one year remaining on his contract. Ellington is undersized at 5-9 and 195 pounds, but he’s an explosive receiver. He is also athletic enough to be the Gamecocks’ starting point guard.

5. Running back

The Broncos invested heavily in the running back position the past two years, taking Montee Ball in the second round in 2013 and Ronnie Hillman in the third round the previous year. But Knowshon Moreno, who is a free agent, was the most reliable back in the Broncos’ backfield last season. Denver might add a tailback if Moreno goes elsewhere.

Possible picks

Charles Sims (West Virginia): Sims can add a different dynamic if Moreno doesn’t re-sign. Sims is one of the top pass-catchers in the draft class and a legit option on third down.

James White (Wisconsin): White and Montee Ball formed a dynamic duo in Wisconsin. White can complement Ball again if the Broncos are willing to spend a mid- to late-round pick on a running back.